After more than 20 years in the making a 135 kilometre walking trail around Christchurch has opened. The Christchurch trail links existing pathways, with one stage from Avonhead in the west and another from Godley Heads in the east. The man behind the trail, ecologist Colin Meurk, said that the walk will be a great way for locals and tourists to enjoy the natural diversity of Christchurch.
The trail is broken down into eight stages, however it does not form a complete circuit as a route can not be marked alongside roads with speeds higher than 50km per hour.
The idea for the trail was first floated in 1991, but both costs and the Canterbury earthquakes delayed the progress. But with local rotary clubs volunteering their time to install the markers and the City Council funds coming through, its establishment has been a real community effort.
